Philippians 4:16-20

When we give of our time or finances to those in need or to the Church we give to God.

He loves a cheerful giver :)

Philippians 4:16-20

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

By commending the Philippians’ gift, he is not indirectly seeking another. Rather, he is celebrating their generosity as a sign of their growing faith. His visit was a tangible expression of the Philippians’ concern for Paul and his needs. Paul’s needs were met through the Philippians’ generous financial gift. In the tradition of mutual exchange common to ancient friendship, Paul trusts God to meet the needs of the church at Philippi. The Philippians don’t need to practice caution in giving. They are free to give, and in doing so they testify to God’s provision. If they keep what they have in order to provide for themselves, they won’t experience the generosity of God through the generosity of others. Faithlife Bible.

Paul has in mind in this verse the material gift that the Philippians sent to him. Paul uses business terminology. The Philippians’ gift was producing spiritual profit just as money deposited in a bank account accrues interest. But Paul was not as concerned with their gift as with the development in the Philippians of the spiritual ability to give. By giving to Paul, the Philippians had offered themselves as a gift to God. Paul says that he is full because they gave. The Philippians, in turn, will be full because of the gifts God will give them. Out of His abundant wealth, God will more than amply take care of the Philippians. 

The Jewish practice of closing prayers with the word amen carried over to the Christian church as well. When found at the end of a sentence as it is here, the word can be translated “so be it,” or “may it be fulfilled.” At the beginning of a sentence, it means “surely,” “truly,” or “most assuredly.” NKJ Bible.

A sweet smelling aroma is drawn from the sweet-smelling incense which was burnt along with the sacrifices; their gift being in faith was not so much to Paul, as to God, before whom it “came up for a memorial”, sweet-smelling in God’s presence. Commentary

Psalm 23:1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Matthew 6:2  Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 16:27  to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:16  But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.